pretense
UK[prɪˈtens]US[ˈpriːtens]
n
An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.
n
A way of behaving that is intended to deceive people.
n
A claim, especially a false or ambitious one.
Morpheme Breakdown
pre
tense
pre
before
tense
stretch
Etymology
The word 'pretense' originates from the Medieval Latin 'praetensus,' the past participle of 'praetendere,' meaning "to stretch forth, allege." This Latin verb is a compound of 'prae-' (before) and 'tendere' (to stretch). The literal image is of stretching a curtain or screen in front of something, thereby concealing it or putting forward a false front. Over time, this concrete action evolved into the abstract English meaning of an act or appearance intended to create a false impression or a claim, often an insincere or exaggerated one.
Analysis
Structure: pre (before) + tense (stretch)
'pre' is a Latin prefix meaning "before, in front of." 'tense' is from the Latin root 'tendere/tensus,' meaning "to stretch, extend."
Examples
She abandoned all pretense of politeness and told him exactly what she thought.
He made no pretense of being an expert on the subject.
Their friendliness was only a pretense to gain access to the confidential files.